NMC body to turn advisor for water projects in state

Nagpur: On the lines of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) offering consultancy for Metro rail projects, Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is planning to promote its special purpose vehicle — Nagpur Environmental Services Limited (NESL) — as project management consultant for water supply related projects. The move could bring in some revenue for the cash-strapped civic body, besides making a name for itself.
As part of this plan, and also to ensure completion of 24X7 water supply project followed by operation and maintenance, NMC had sought appointment of a retired engineer on the NESL board of directors. The state’s urban development department issued a notification on August 30 permitting the appointment of retired engineer as director of NESL.
Established on August 31, 2009, the NESL board comprises of 12 directors. The mayor is chairman of the board while civic chief is managing director. There are five officials on the board, including the civic chief.
Mayor Pravin Datke told TOI that four engineers having expertise in water works had retired in last one year. “One of the engineers will be appointed as director instead of the executive engineer of water works department,” he said.
Chief engineer Prakash Urade, superintending engineer Shashikant Hastak and executive engineer Azizur Rehman superannuated while executive engineer RD Jadhav took voluntary retirement over last one year. Existing executive engineer SS Gaikwad too has submitted an application seeking voluntary retirement.
Datke said NESL will participate in competitive bidding process at other municipal corporations or companies undertaking mega projects of water infrastructure. “NMC has immense experience in water infrastructure projects. Works of around Rs1,000 crore have been implemented in NMC in last eight years. Some mega works like laying water pipeline to draw raw water from reservoir to water treatment plants, construction of two water treatment plants, elevated and groundwater reservoirs, network etc have been undertaken. Team of technical staff including retired engineers will be formed. The team will look after project management consultant works. The plan is to begin from the state and spread across the nation,” he said.
Ruling party leader Dayashankar Tiwari said NESL is likely to participate in the bidding process at Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation. “NESL will get special preference if its experience, quantum and quality of works and also credentials of a government agency are considered. We can get revenue from the project management consultant works,” he said.
Tiwari said NESL board will taken a decision in this regard soon. “Preliminary discussion was held in the board’s last meeting. Proper plan will be chalked out once the decision is finalized,” he said.
Three retired officials — Urade, Hastak and Rehman — will be the top choice for director of NESL. The selection will be very interesting since all three have immense experience in water related works.
IN A NUTSHELL
* NESL is NMC’s 100% owned special purpose vehicle
* NESL was registered for execution of water projects like 24X7 water supply
* 12 directors include seven office bearers and five officials
* Now, retired engineer will be appointed on board for the first time instead of executive engineer
* NESL is likely to be promoted as project management consultant for mega water projects